BURNS - The two father and son ranchers who triggered a national cry for justice over their convictions for arson were expected today to surrender themselves to federal prison, ending efforts of militants and fellow ranchers to spare them.

A family friend who asked not to be publicly identified told The Oregonian/OregonLive that Dwight Hammond Jr., 73, and Steven Hammond, 46, left Harney County over the weekend to report. He said they were traveling to California.

Their surrender closes one chapter of a controversial case that has spun into a national drama.

They leave behind a community reeling from the occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, a sweeping reserve southeast of Burns. Militants, including the three sons of Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy, took over the empty headquarters compound on Saturday, insisting they will stay until federal land is returned to private ownership.

Those militants were part of a crowd of about 300 other self-styled militia members and local residents who paraded on behalf of the Hammonds. About a dozen broke off from the main body of supporters after the hour-long march that included a stop at the home of Dwight and Susan Hammond to seize the refuge.

On Monday, Ammon Bundy was scheduled to hold his second news conference in as many days. He told reporters at the refuge Monday that his group meant no harm to anyone, but would defend themselves against an attack by law enforcement.

The Hammonds have said through their attorneys that Ammon Bundy doesn't speak for them. That didn't stop Cliven Bundy, who demanded by letter that Harney County Sheriff Dave Ward take Hammond men into protective custody to shield them from reporting for prison. Bundy engaged in his own standoff last year when federal agents tried to seize his cattle.

And though the Bundys are involved in the Oregon occupation, the scene can hardly be described as a standoff. The 20 or so militants at the refuge come and go as they please. No police were apparent Sunday anywhere between Burns and the 30-mile drive to the refuge.

LaVoy Finicum, neighboring rancher of Cliven Bundy, explains Oregon refuge takeoverLaVoy Finicum, 55, a rancher from Mojave County, Arizona, and neighbor of Cliven Bundy, has joined militia members at the Malheur National Wildlife headquarters in Burns. The group, which occupied the grounds Saturday, say they have enough supplies to stay for years. In interview Sunday, they would not say what weapons they're carrying or how many people are on the grounds. Video by Mark Graves, The Oregonian/OregonLive.com

Militia groups through the day Sunday continued to distance themselves from the occupation through press statements.

"These actions were premeditated and carried out by a small group of persons who chose to carry out this takeover," said 3% Idaho, whose president helped organized Saturday's rally and parade.

Sorting fact from fiction has been a challenge for the community, which has turned to Facebook forums trying to sort it out. The county of 7,800 is served by a weekly newspaper. It's only radio station shut down last year.

An instance Sunday evening underscored that challenge.

The Oregon Department of Transportation triggered alarm in the community with what would ordinarily be a routine traffic advisory. The agency's email warning to the public warned that snow plows weren't clearing two highways - both key to reaching the refuge.

"Law enforcement is conducting an operation in the area," the email notice said.

But law enforcement sources told The Oregonian/OregonLive no operation involving the refuge was underway. State transportation officials couldn't be reached to explain.

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden said Oregon's FBI office briefed him on the occupation. He couldn't disclose details, but said the FBI is coordinating resources "on the ground" and that "it's still pretty early on" for resolution.

The FBI issued a statement late Sunday saying it is the lead agency dealing with the confrontation and is working with local and state law enforcement to "bring a peaceful resolution to the situation at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge."

"Due to safety considerations for both those inside the refuge as well as the law enforcement officers involved, we will not be releasing any specifics with regards to the law enforcement response," the statement said.

Wyden said local residents may be upset with government, but he's convinced they aren't supporting the militants.

"They want solutions, not standoffs," Wyden said.

Meantime, the Monday surrender of the Hammonds and the occupation at the refuge has prompted government closures out of safety concerns.

The Harney County School District announced the schools that were to open Monday instead would remain closed another week. County officials closed the courthouse for at least the day.

And the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Bureau of Land Management, an agency that has been the source of some of the Hammonds' troubles, decided Sunday to close their offices in Burns. Officials said they didn't know when they would reopen.